Food and eating: holidays skew consumption

Food is everywhere. During the holidays, everyone overeats. And rich, decadent, fattening food is abundant. Gluttony is acceptable and encouraged.

There are many reasons why people gain weight during the holidays: too many to discuss in this one blog post. But one look into the psychology of holiday eating reveals abundance, sharing, and social stigmas.

One English man is eating differently. Instead of drowning in the glutton of abundance, his approach is to appreciate the abundance by living more simply.

Mark Boyle is working on his own consumption awareness. Here is a peak into his story:


So, how can we learn from him and eat more wisely?
First, we need to look at our own personal values. How important is food to me?
Second, look at your social eating behaviors. Do I eat more around family to "please" them? How do I eat in social settings? Do I eat differently at home than in restaurants?
Third, realize that change can take a long time. Patience and perserverance are crucial. Suppose you examine your beliefs and decide to consume less and eat healthier. The new awareness is one step. Then you need a daily plan. What new behaviors will replace the old ones? This process may bring incredible new meaning to your life, but it can take a long time to change old ways. Be good to yourself and don't get discouraged by setbacks.

Perhaps you enjoy holiday food AND you like the idea of reducing consumption. Take just a few moments before each meal, party or social setting to think about the food you might eat. Is it important to eat chips and soda, or other non-holiday junk food? Instead of devouring a whole plate of truffles or mini-tarts, take time to meet the cook and learn how they cook them. (Then, spend time later making an equally-delicious, but healthier, version).

Think. Eat. Learn. Nourish. Thrive.

Holiday Stress Coping: grow your personal skills this holiday season

Before you spend this holiday season stressed out over money, relatives and family, jobs, and eating, consider slowing your stress down. You can gain valuable personal insights if you first take a few moments to prepare yourself.

This video demonstrates how people are affected by the holidays, which problems are stressful, and how to cope:



Here are more helpful tips for making this season one of personal growth and development:

Consume Less-
Making a conscious decision to consume less can have enormous positive effects on your soul. Eating less, buying less, and using less gives you peace, and a healthy "sense of place" in the world. You feel grateful for what you have, which makes you feel a deeper sense of peace. Your bank account will thank you, too, which then will ease financial stresses.
If feeling more peaceful weren't enough, a huge benefit of lighter consumption is Knowing that You Didn't Gain Weight over the Holidays! Maintaining your usual weight, or even losing weight, will leave you with reduced stress and more self-confidence. Amidst all the food and gluttony, take a stand and consume less.
Consider reviewing this article and video about an English man who is taking a light-consumption attitude:
http://higher-lifestyle.blogspot.com/2008/11/food-and-eating-holidays-skew.html

Get Outdoors-
Being outside will always lift your spirits. Listening to birds chirping, feeling a breezy wind, watching snow fall, or hearing a trickling stream can have a magical, calming effect on your soul. Nature instills peace.
Also, outdoor activities, like playing in your local park, can be free or inexpensive. Instead of stressing about buying movie tickets for the whole family, plan some time outdoors.